Employee Relations Specialist

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Employee Relations Manager & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, this position reviews and responds to issues related to employee relations, complaints, grievances, claims, and cases; interprets and applies policies and procedures; assists in meeting applicable standards, regulations and best practices; conducts investigations, makes recommendations for appropriate action, and consults with campus administrators to facilitate recommendations and proposed sanctions. Tracks and maintains cases in the case management system. Advises supervisors on employee performance management and counseling / corrective actions. Maintains regular and consistent work site attendance, including but not limited to working evenings, weekends and / or holidays, as needed. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of Human Resources / Employee Relations best practices, compliance with employment laws and regulations.
• Strong computer / technology proficiency including Microsoft Office applications, HRIS and Internet.
• Ability to effectively conduct investigations and remain neutral.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated use of good judgment with ability to approach complex problems logically and systematically.
• Attention to detail and follow-through skills.
• Experience dealing with sensitive information and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organization, planning, analytical and problem resolution abilities.
• Exceptional teamwork with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; prioritize and complete tasks while working under deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent customer focus and service skills.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to give presentations / conduct trainings. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent related experience) in a related field plus 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in the employee relations area. Preferred Qualifications Prefer work experience working in higher education. Prefer experience working with case management software. Essential Job Duties Key Responsabilities Investigations :
• Conducts review and investigations of alleged student, faculty, staff, and outside third-party misconduct, including but not limited to the preparation of comprehensive reports of investigations, findings, recommendations for appropriate action, and consulting campus administrators to facilitate recommendations and proposed sanctions.
• Collects and analyzes employee data and employee relations trends by conducting exit interviews and reviewing reports from the cases database. Summarizes findings and shares trends and concerns.
• Develops an investigation plan for HR workplace complaints; Contacts involved parties and provide them with information about the investigation process; Interview complainants and respondents; Identifies and interviews witnesses; Gathers and secures relevant documentation; Identifies other information that would be helpful to the case adjudicator.
• Communicates, consults regularly and provides updates to Manager and other staff members, as appropriate.
• Provides detailed, unbiased and comprehensive reports to Manager. Maintains accurate and thorough records and notes of investigatory process that describe evidence and proposed sanctions related to confirmed violations.
• Guides and counsels supervisors on proper management of employee complaints and grievances that involve inter-personal issues.
• Preserves confidentiality in all personnel matters. Key Responsabilities Employee Relations / Performance Management :
• Advises departments, faculty and staff on a broad spectrum of employment issues, such as but not limited to leave of absence, workers’ compensation, performance management, wage and hour, and policies & procedures of the Office of Human Resources.
• May represent WesternU at EDD, EEOC, work comp, and other agency hearings.
• Ensures University compliance with federal, state, and public agency monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Processes involuntary terminations and conduct exit meetings and related tasks in coordination with other departments such as benefits, employment, and payroll.
• Responds to unemployment claims.
• Processes and responds to subpoena for records and employee requests for record review.
• Addresses inquiries from government agencies (e.g. EEOC, EDD, FEHA), providing data as needed. Key Responsabilities Support for Employee Relations Area :
• Responds to electronic, phone and in-person employee relations inquiries, referring and seeking assistance when needed.
• As assigned, may perform research, analysis, provide reports, and make recommendations.
• Creates and updates forms as needed.
• Maintains employee relations information on SharePoint and on the HR website.
• Creates and maintains operating procedures.
• Assists Manager as needed in creating guidelines and policies for the campus.
• Collaborates with HRIS and IT in the implementation and update of systems used in employee relations.
• May serve on committees, as applicable. Key Responsabilities Training :
• Conducts and coordinates training programs related to employee relations and organizational development (such as on prevention and intervention of misconduct). May collaborate with other areas / departments to provide training.
• In collaboration with Manager, creates informational content to share with campus community (such as on “resignation process,” or “performance review process). Key Responsabilities Other duties as assigned :

This position description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the employee may perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Posting Details Continued Work Schedule Regular work hours are 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm and may include working evenings, weekends and / or holidays, as needed. Working at WesternU

We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and / or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.

We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,

Expected Pay Scale Minimum $70,000.00 Maximum $75,000.00